On Writing

Writer’s Wisdom 5

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“It is a huge honor to have your book made into a movie; but, it is a totally different animal.”

I heard a best-selling author say this in an interview; I wish I remember who. Many best selling authors have had this honor.  This is one of the best things that can happen to you as a writer (besides being published for the first time).  Some writers are actively involved in the process, while others are completely disconnected, by choice.  Most of them agree that making a movie out of a book is a totally different animal, and that you should let the “movie makers” work their magic.  Others agree that the integrity of the story should be kept, they welcome instances where the magic of the movies has made the story dynamic, or a particular part, better.

For us fans of best selling authors, we can’t wait for the movie to be made.  We got a good taste of a good book and now, we wait for the dessert.

Writer’s Wisdom 4

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“The characters will take a life of their own; they will lead you, but you are in control.”

As you get deep into the story, each character will start interacting with you in its own way.  Sometimes, a character will refuse to do what you want them to do, and will suggest other ways.  It is up to you to listen to that character, feel what he/she is feeling, get a better understanding of where he/she is coming from.  Sometimes, characters will surprise you, they will step forward in the story, or they will stay back.  Sometimes, characters will help you in a story dilemma; you might be stuck with an issue, and suddenly, a character jumps out with the appropriate answer.  So, listen to your characters, talk to them.  However, you are still in control of the story.  You choose to accept or refuse their input, and you certainly have the last written word.

 

Writer’s Wisdom 3

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Send hundreds of queries!

Don’t take no for an answer, keep at it.  Eventually you will get a yes!

That is the advice of many seasoned published authors, unless you plan to become an independent or self-published author. It may sound obvious, but many will stop short of that.  If you love writing, but also intend to become a published author, then you have to send hundreds of queries if you don’t get answers right away.  Perseverance and focus are of the essence here.  For some, it goes faster than others.  It took Janet Evanovich, ten years going at it.  It took Stephenie Meyer, a few queries (less than 20).  Both of them are exceptional best selling authors.  However, if you love writing, are passionate about it, and can’t see yourself doing anything, but write, then approach each day with a smile, exercise your keyboard (or pen), arm yourself with the latest copy of the Writer’s Market (or go to writersmarket.com), and keep at it, eventually you’ll get a yes.

Follow these series.  New tips everyday.

Writer’s Wisdom 2

/ inkspeare

Accept Rejection

As hard as it sounds, this is part of being a writer.  No one likes rejection, but in the end, it can only make you better, that is, if you embrace it instead of letting it affect your self esteem and work.  By looking for honest feedback on rejections, you will grow in your craft, resulting in more doors to open for you.  So, look at rejections as something that can help you, in a positive way.  When feedback is denied or very unclear, then it is time to ask yourself, am I wasting my time with this individual?  Time is precious, especially for writers.  A minute waste is an idea gone.  So, don’t waste your time back and forth with someone who won’t give you clear and specific critique about your work.  Your goal is to get better at writing, and that can only be done by accepting rejection, listening to honest critique and improving your work.

Rejection will only make you grow; will only make you better .

Writer’s Wisdom – first of a series

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After sitting down for hours, drinking coffee and watching best seller authors on You Tube, and many others being interviewed, I was able to compile their best advice for aspiring writers.  Although, these writers have many different writing styles, they all seem to converge on some important basic points that I intend to share with you.  So, let’s see what they had to say.

The recommendation that they all seem to stress as most important was:  Write, write, write.

The advice is to write every day.  It doesn’t matter if you stare at a blank screen (or page), for a few minutes (or hours), just sit down and start writing whatever thoughts cross your mind.  If you are writing a book, write something everyday; no matter if it is for a few minutes, just write.  As long as you start hitting the keyboard or scratching the paper, something will come out.  Ideas come an go, maybe some of them for another book, or another article.  At its worst, there will be plenty of material to ponder over.

Follow me tomorrow for more of their tips.  Happy Writing !